Ford Ka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ford Ka | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1996-present |
| Class | City car |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Engine | Ford Kent (Endura-E) Ford Duratec |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual transmission |
| Similar | Citroën C1 Fiat Seicento Fiat Nuova Panda Peugeot 107 Renault Twingo Toyota Aygo |
Ford Ka (pronounced as "car", "ka" or "Kay-a") is a city car from the Ford Motor Company marketed in Europe and elsewhere. The European version is produced in Valencia, Spain, while the one sold in Latin America is built in Brazil.
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[edit] First generation (1996-present)
The car was introduced on September 11, 1996 small and low-cost addition to the Ford range, following the enlargement of the Fiesta. The Ka is based on the same platform as the Mk III Ford Fiesta, but with a radically different external design. The vehicle was manufactured on the production facility of the outgoing Fiesta model in the Valencia plant after Mk111 Fiesta production had continued on with the 'classic Fiesta' in Valencia while the new MkIV Fiesta had started in Cologne and Dagenham. When the Ka was first introduced to the public it provoked mixed reactions due to its original and striking New Edge design, created by Jack Telnack.
Besides the styling, the Ka, like its sister cars Fiesta and Puma, was lauded in the motoring press for its nimble handling. Under Richard Parry-Jones' supervision, the suspension and steering settings allowed for spirited cornering and high levels of grip making it one of the best handling cars of the current generation superminis, not unlike the original Mini. The name KA is somthing Ford are a little shy about as the true meaning of the word is a spiritual double born in every person and lives on after death as long as it had a place to live. For light reading look for the 'KA of Gifford Hillary' by Dennis Wheatley.
The main drawback was the Ka's 1300 cc OHV four-cylinder Endura-E engine, a design dating back to the 1960s Kent engine used in the Ford Anglia. Although not very modern, it provided enough torque to allow relaxed if not spirited driving.[citation needed] In 2002 the Endura-E was replaced by the overhead cam Duratec engine, with claimed improved fuel efficiency and increased refinement, mostly caused by taller gearing on the non-air conditioned models.
The Ka has proved highly profitable for Ford despite its low selling price, largely due to the lack of spending required in its development.[citation needed] It has been the best selling car in its class in the United Kingdom for a number of years and commands around a 30% share of the city car market.
[edit] The Ka in the United Kingdom
The UK model range consisted of the standard version, the Ka, and the higher specification Ka2. The Ka3 was introduced later. Initially, all Kas were delivered as the standard model and upgraded to the higher variants at Ford dealerships, saving on production costs. However, this practice was dropped following the renaming of the Ka2 and Ka3 as the Ka Collection and the LuxuryKa (later Ka Luxury).
These offered colour-coded bumpers for the first time, although this lost the designer's original intention of the black plastic bumpers avoiding parking damage to paintwork in city conditions. The Luxury version came with a Quickclear heated windscreen, leather seats and interior trim as well as standard air conditioning and Ka Sun Collection with a full-length fabric folding roof was also added to the range during the summer months. A revised line-up gives Ka the following trim levels: Studio, Style and Style Climate, Zetec and Zetec Climate, Ka Luxury and SportKa SE.
[edit] The Ka in Latin America
In Latin America, the Ka received a facelift in 2003 and is now slightly different externally and more aggressive than the European model; the main noticeable difference is on the rear, with taller lights. The other difference from the European model is the lack of soundproofing, gradually removed each year since 2000 as a way to cut down costs, following what other Brazilian car makers previously did. The engine is a 95 hp Zetec Rocam 1.6-litre gasoline engine.
[edit] StreetKa and SportKa
In 2003 the Ka brand was diversified, with the addition of a new SportKa featuring a sporty body kit, wider track with stiffened suspension and redesigned 16" alloy wheels. Both models came with slightly widened bumpers front and rear with integral fog lamps. A convertible model called StreetKa, launched with the help of pop singer Kylie Minogue.
In 2005 all Ka models including Sportka and Streetka received a slightly updated interior bringing the cabin back up to date while still retaining the look and feel of the original. Both Streetka and Sportka received a new 95 hp 1.6-litre 8-valve Duratec petrol engine, whereas Ka, Ka Collection and LuxuryKa retained the 1.3 Endura E petrol engine.
StreetKa ceased to be officially on sale in late 2006.
Meanwhile, the SportKa was noted for its surprising advertising campaign, "The Ka's Evil Twin", denouncing the Ka's traditionally-perceived 'cute' design.
[edit] Reliability
The Ka generally has a good reliability record.
However, taper-fit sparkplugs are notorious for rusting into the cylinder head. Frequently the head has to be removed and sent to a machine shop when the time comes to change the plugs. The simple solution to this problem is to remove and inspect the plugs at every service interval.
Many Endura-E owners complain of a chattering, rattling or tapping noise from the engine. This is often the tappets. With the tappets set to Ford's specification gap some noise can be expected but it should not be excessive. If the tappets require almost continuous adjustment or Ford specifications are used and the engine is still excessively noisy (and often starts ticking) the most common problem is the camshaft. Early Endura-E engines are especially prone to this problem.
The plastic bumpers were clearly in part intended to prevent wheelarch rust, but instead the Ka is known to rust in the welds under the bonnet and tailgate and where the outer sills are shaped around the doors.
The idle control valve can become blocked, causing an instable idle and driving difficulties. The part may be replaced or carefully cleaned, ensuring the seal is kept.
The front suspension bushes may need to be replaced about every 3 years or 30,000 miles. A symptom of the bushes nearing replacement is a creaking noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps although this is a relatively inexpensive problem to correct.
Those models with solid front discs can suffer from overheating brakes in hilly terrain or, given the car's agile handling, with spirited driving.
[edit] Second generation (2008)
In 2008 the Ka will be replaced with a model car codeveloped with Fiat S.p.A using the Fiat Panda platform. [1] [2] and will be produced in Tychy, Poland [3] with its Fiat sister, the Fiat 500.
The new Ka will maintain the curvy features that made the original so appealing, while bringing the look up to date with details such as elliptical headlamps. It will take its styling cues from the original, such as the distinctive rear overhangs and wheel at every corner design; therefore this modern interpretation will be instantly recognisable.[citation needed] Standard equipment is expected to be improved, with elements such as MP3 compatibility and satellital navigator.
The new Ka will be available with both 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and additionally a 1.4 TDCi diesel.
[edit] Trivia
According to the BBC TV's Top Gear Cool Wall, the Ford Ka collects a 'Cool' rating, while the StreetKa enjoys a 'Sub Zero' classification. The SportKa is deemed 'Uncool'.
For models with a digital odometer, it is possible to enter a self diagnostics mode by holding down the trip-o-meter reset whilst starting the engine. In this mode, the odometer can reportedly display (amongst others): MPH, km/h, engine RPM, engine temperature, battery voltage, etc. by pressing the reset button repeatedly. This is a common feature on modern European Fords.
[edit] External links
- / Test Report on the Ford Ka from Whatvan.co.uk
- Official British Ford website
- Free Forum devoted to the Ka
- Fan website
- Ka Owners Klub GB
- Used Car Safety Ratings - Ford Ka
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